Advantages and disadvantages of screening and targeted methods for EGFR mutation testing
| Screening methods (samples screened for all EGFR mutations, known and novel variants) | Targeted methods (samples analysed for known EGFR mutations only) | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | ▸ All mutations, including novel mutations, may be detected (analytical sensitivity)▸ Direct sequencing technology is widely available | ▸ Less time-consuming than the screening method direct sequencing, leading to reduced turnaround times▸ Sensitivity (limit of detection) tends to be higher than with screening methods▸ Technology is fairly widely available |
| Disadvantages | ▸ Sensitivity tends to be lower than with targeted methods▸ Often require enrichment of tumour cells by macro- or micro-dissection▸ Experienced operators needed▸ Tend to be more labour intensive and time consuming than targeted methods, leading to longer turnaround times | ▸ Rare mutations not assayed for are not detected▸ Reagents may be more expensive than for screening methods such as direct sequencing |
EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor.